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Our religious school education emphasizes ethical over ritual practices, acknowledging that every person has the right to make choices about his or her beliefs and practices. School begins for children at age 3 1/2 and runs through Confirmation class in the 10th grade. Each Sunday begins at 9:00 am with a walk-in breakfast. Morning service for grades PK-4 runs from 9:30-10:00 am and from 10:00-10:30 am for grades 5-10. Students are released at 11:30 am. A new curriculum has been adopted for grades 2-7. It provides our teachers with units that are based on the most effective learning models available. Each lesson facilitates a deeper, more lasting educational experience for students to form a basis for a lifetime of Jewish learning. The key term you will hear throughout is Enduring Understanding. These are the big ideas that have a lasting value to our students long after they have left the classroom. The Chai Curriculum is a flexible, spiral curriculum specifically designed to facilitate lifelong learning within Reform congregations. Each level is divided into three strands with a thematic thread: Torah, Avodah, and G'milut Chasadim, or study, worship, and deeds of loving kindness. Teachers will be able to personalize the lessons to fit the needs of their class and our views of Classical Reform Judaism. The lessons for the primary grades, PK-1, include learning about the temple, holidays, creation, ten commandments, and mitzvot through arts and crafts, music, and other modalities. Music is also integrated with the curriculum for grades 2-6. The curriculums for grades 8 and 9 focus on history, life cycle, current events, the three branches of Judaism, as well as community service. Confirmation class focuses on current events and making appropriate choices based on Jewish beliefs. |